Wow! This month has been a whirlwind! With it being Energy Awareness Month, I got the great opportunity to help spread the word on how home owners can save energy for their homes and save money in the process…and who doesn’t want to save money!!

On October 15th, I traveled to Washington DC to take part in a panel discussion for the American Chemistry Council. Their campaign, Plastics Make It Possible, highlighted some of the technological advances in building products that really help the consumer reduce their energy use. Products like PEX piping, SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels), house wraps, and spray foams can dramatically reduce outside air infiltration into your home…and what stops air getting in will stop air from leaking out! Check out the panel discussion and coverage of the Solar Decathlon by clicking on the Plastics Make It Possible link above.

I also traveled to Nashville this month to promote the Cash for Clunkers 2 program being offered by the Federal government. In this program, homeowners are offered a tax credit if they implement certain types of building materials and products in their homes to make them more energy efficient. Products like certain types of insulated windows, roofing shingles, and insulation can qualify your home for the tax credit. In fact there are certain types of appliance systems that qualify as well…an upgraded water heating system or a more energy efficient HVAC system can earn you up to a $1500 tax credit from the Feds.

Also, your particular state may also be offering rebates on certain appliances that you purchase for more energy efficiency…things like washers and dryers, water heaters, dish washers, certain types of stoves…go to energystar.gov and find your state to see what rebates are available. You may even qualify for an additional rebate from the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchase your new appliance. This is all part of a $300 million dollar stimulus package offered to help stimulate the economy, aid in the reduction of green house gases and give consumers a break if they were thinking of upgrading some things around their homes. So, it’s a win-win-win for everyone!

I am thrilled to announce that I have been asked to join the cast of Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford as the segment host of BEST NEW PRODUCTS! Danny is one of the most well known home improvement experts with his nationally syndicated show, which airs every Saturday morning (check your local listing). He is also the DIY expert for the Weather Channel and for CBS’s The Early Show. Shooting down in Mobile for the first time last month was an absolute blast!  Danny, Allen-the producer, Scott-the director, and Jason-the cameraman all made the long shoot days fly by with their laughter, light-heartedness, but also their amazing committment to bringing the viewers the best and latest in home improvement trends and advice. I’m excited to get back to Alabama for another round of production days in October. This season is already off to a great start!

Well, they are at it again! The fine folks at FEIN Power Tools are here in Atlanta at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) showing off the MultiMaster once again!  I had a great time joining Vince and the team from all over the country to give people a chance to have the MultiMaster in their own hands to see what a great tool it really is! 

David Thiel, my dear friend and editor from Popular Woodworking Magazine, stopped by the booth to catch up and tape a little segment for their website.  Click here to check it out!

I am so excited to be working with Fein Power Tools this Spring at KBIS!  This is such a great show! Anything and everything you could ever think of for your kitchen or bath is here…truly a homeowner’s paradise! And Fein will be highlighting the New and Improved MultiMaster tool to make all your building and remodeling projects a snap! Summer’s just around the corner…now’s the time to start planning your DREAM kitchen or bath!

Show hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. I will be there Saturday, 11 am and 2 pm and again on Sunday 11 am and 2 pm talking about Bathroom Renovations. Would love to see you there!

September 25, 2007  Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

I am so excited to be teaming up with Lowes Home Improvement to help celebrate this years’ annual Carolina Panthers Football 101 event to be held at the stadium the evening of August 25.  Panther players will be there to help fans gain a better understanding of the game and will define terminology and will focus on the fundamentals of offense, defense and special teams. Participants will also learn referee signals and specific play calls and will find out what it is like to be an NFL player.

I will be on hand to give a how-to clinic on ways to get your home ready for the fall season and add special touches to your home decor. Tickets are still available…for more information, click on the Panthers Football 101 logo above. Hope to see you there!

Lowe’s Grand Opening: St. Robert, MO

Saturday, September 1, 2007  12 pm and 1:30 pm

Come on out Labor Day Weekend to visit me at the Grand Opening of Lowes in St. Robert! I will be doing a clinic on Bathroom Renovation and Remodeling!  I look forward to seeing you there!